Facility management computer system operable for receiving data over a network generated by users and sensors

ABSTRACT

A facility management computer system which, in one embodiment, controls a website that provides users with access to user-generated data and sensor-generated data. The computer system is used in conjunction with a facility having at least one sensor for sensing variable conditions of the facility. The computer system integrates the sensor-generated data with non-sensor data, such as data related to facility description, facility users, facility income and facility expenses. Such a computer system assists facility managers in increasing the efficiency of operating facilities and minimizing loss and damage to facilities.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to the following commonly-owned co-pendingpatent application: “Wall-Mountable Computer Having an IntegratedKeyboard,” Attorney Docket No. 200-02.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains or maycontain material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyrightowner has no objection to the photocopy reproduction by anyone of thepatent document or the patent disclosure in exactly the form it appearsin the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwisereserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many of the challenges in the facility management industry relate toinformation, that is, the flow of information involving facilityconditions and facility users. As described below, the known technologyfails to adequately maintain or facilitate the flow of this information.This can result in a decrease in the quality and safety of the facilityas well as a decline in the profitability of facility operations.

Information Related to Facility Conditions

Most facilities require regular maintenance and periodic repairs inorder to maintain an adequate level of quality and safety. In manycases, if the manager discovers a defect early enough, the manager canhave the repair made before significant collateral damage occurs to thefacility: For many facilities, due to the size of the building,limitations on the manager's resources or the type of commercialactivity, there may be a significant delay before the manager receivesnotice of a defect. For example, in an apartment building, the manager'saccess to the apartments is restricted. If the tenant is unaware of orotherwise fails to report a water leak, the manager may not learn of theleak until the leak causes costly water damage to another apartment.

Therefore, it is advantageous to acquire certain information aboutfacility defects independent of the facility users, for example, byusing sensor technology. The known facility management software,however, does not accommodate sensor technology. Facility managementsoftware has come to be a valuable tool used today by facility ownersand facility management companies to operate their businesses. Theconventional facility management software enables managers, whetheremployed by a facility owner or management company, to track, store andaccess information related to the facility, residents, accounting,repairs and contractors. Certain types of facility management softwareare now accessible to managers over the Internet through applicationservice providers.

Despite this advancement, this conventional software has failed toevolve with the relatively recent use of sensor technology in buildingsand other facilities. The use of sensors to detect defects in facilitiescan significantly enhance facility operations. Different types ofsensors have been used to monitor characteristics in buildings such astemperature, light and leaks. Sensor software has also been developed toenable personal computers to process and present the sensor data to endusers.

However, as stated earlier, the known facility management software doesnot have the functionality to accommodate the sensor technology.Therefore, in order to manage a facility utilizing sensor technology,the manager must use two disintegrated software systems—the facilitymanagement software and the sensor software. For example, the managermust use the facility management system in order to track past due rentand defects phoned-in by tenants. Then the manager must switch softwareprograms and use the sensor software in order to track defects reportedby the sensors. Next, the manager must transfer these defect reports tothe facility management system.

Using two discrete systems in this fashion has several disadvantages.Information can be lost in the transfer of data from the sensor systemto the facility management system. In addition, the facility owner ormanagement company must incur the labor cost associated with operatingand maintaining both systems and transferring the sensor data to theproperty management system. This labor cost can be relatively high forlarger facilities. Furthermore, because the sensor system is not themain system used by the manager, there is the risk that the manager willnot check the sensor system as often as necessary to receive defectreports from the sensors in a timely fashion.

Information Related to Facility Users

Another disadvantage of the known technology relates to the existingmethod of communication between the manager and the facility users.Currently, managers send information to facility users by: (a) sending aletter to the facility user by regular mail; (b) posting a sign on thelobby bulletin board; or (c) telephoning the facility user. Facilityusers typically provide information to the manager by phone, butsometimes facility users send notices to the manager by regular mail,facsimile or email.

One disadvantage with this method is that tenants sometimes misplacemailings or overlook bulletin board postings. As a result, managers mayhave to reschedule appointments, and the tenants may lose importantinformation. This can result in increased administrative costs, lostincome and increased exposure to liability for personal injury and otherclaims.

Another disadvantage with this method is that tenants often find it tooinconvenient or too time consuming to mail or fax a notice to themanager. Many tenants also find it too inconvenient or time consuming toemail a notice to the manager using a conventional computer. Part of thereason for this is that the conventional personal computer is designedto rest on a computer desk or table. Although laptop computers aremobile, they too are designed to rest on a substantially horizontalsurface. Neither of these conventional computers are designed to bemounted to an upright surface, such as the wall of a kitchen or hallway.

For all of these reasons, tenants typically provide the manager with anotice orally, over the phone. Consequently, neither the manager nor thetenant has a written record of the notice. This can lead to disputesregarding the exact content of the notice which, in turn, can lead toincreased administrative costs and tenant dissatisfaction.

There is thus a need to overcome all of the disadvantages describedabove. There is also a need to provide an improved and more efficientfacility management computer system in order to enhance the management,operation and use of facilities. Furthermore, there is a need to providea computer device to facilitate communications and transactions betweenfacility managers and facility users. In addition, there is a need toprovide a computer device that is relatively highly convenient to use infacilities, homes, vehicles and other areas.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a facility management computer system,and the present invention also relates to a wall-mountable computer foruse in apartments, houses and other facilities and areas.

Facility Management Computer System

The computer system, in one embodiment, is used to operate a facilitymanagement website. Managers, people who are involved in overseeing,supervising, administering or otherwise conducting facility managementactivities, can use the website as a tool to conduct their facilitymanagement activities. The computer system provides the website withsensor functionality in addition to other facility managementfunctionality.

In one embodiment, the facility owner or manager can install a sensorkit in each unit of a facility, such as an apartment unit. The facilityowner or manager can also install sensor kits in the public areas of thefacility. Each sensor kit includes a plurality of sensors and awall-mounted gateway. The sensors transmit data to the gateways whencertain events occur, such as a water leak, a low battery for a smokedetector, a broken window, a power outage, insufficient lighting, or anyother condition detected by the sensors. The gateways transmit thissensor data to a server operated by an application service provider. Thecomputer system of the present invention directs the server to make thesensor data available at the website.

At the same time, the computer system enables the manager of thefacility to use the website as a fully functional facility managementsystem. Accordingly, the manager can manually enter, store, organize andretrieve property management data at the website. The sensor-generateddata is integrated with the manually input data. Therefore, the computersystem enables the facility manager to access information and reportswhich incorporate sensor data. This assists the facility managers inincreasing the efficiency of operating the facility, minimizing loss anddamage to the facility and maximizing profits.

Wall-Mountable Computer

In one embodiment, the computer of the present invention has arelatively flat, slim configured housing with a wall mount or wallsecuring member. This securing member enables the user to attach thecomputer to a wall or any other suitable upstanding structure. Thekeyboard is built into the housing of the computer. A user can attachthe computer to a kitchen wall, for example, by using one or more screwsor other suitable fasteners. Then, the user can connect the computer toa power source and to the Internet. In one embodiment, the computer hasa back-up battery power source for operation during power outages.

Because the computer can be attached to a wall and fully operated whileon the wall, the computer is relatively highly convenient for manytasks. If the computer is attached to a kitchen wall, for example, theuser can use suitable software to display a calendar, task list,personal phone directory and email center. Therefore, the user canconveniently schedule and record appointments while working in thekitchen. Many of the user's household tasks can be managed and viewed atthe computer on the kitchen wall. Also, the user can use the keyboard tosend email messages to others, to obtain information over the Internetand to conduct word processing and other computer tasks. If used inconjunction with a personal digital assistant (PDA), such as a palmdevice, the computer can be used by the entire family to stay up-to-dateon one another's scheduling, appointments and obligations.

In one embodiment, the keyboard is partially rotatable about an axis. Touse the keyboard, the user rotates the keyboard outward, and to closethe keyboard, the user rotates the keyboard inward. In the closedposition, the keyboard is less likely to be damaged by people or objectspassing by the computer. In this sense, the housing functions as a guardhaving guard walls which protect the keyboard. Because the keyboard isbuilt into the housing, even when the keyboard is in the open position,the housing provides a level of protection against damage.

In another embodiment, the housing of the computer defines an openinglocated below the screen. The keyboard is located on a lower portion ofthe housing below this opening. Here, the opening functions as a spacefor the user's hands when typing on the keyboard. In this embodiment,the keyboard may be non-movably fixed to the housing or adjustablepositioned on the housing.

The wall-mountable computer of the present invention brings thefunctionality of the personal office computer to those who are carryingout household activities on a regular basis. The integrated keyboardenables the compute to have a relatively thin profile which, in turn,safeguards the computer and enhances the aesthetics of the computer.This type of computer provides a relatively high degree of convenienceto computer users.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a facilitymanagement computer system operable for receiving data over a networkgenerated by users and sensors.

Another object of the present invention is to facilitate the monitoringof facility conditions from locations away from where the conditions areobserved.

Yet another object of the present invention is to decrease the timeassociated with discovering undesirable conditions at facilities.

Still another object of the present invention is to decrease damagecaused to facilities by water leaks, facility deterioration and otherfacility conditions.

Another object of the present invention is to simplify the process oftracking service data of a facility where that data includes dataderived from artificial intelligence and data derived from humanintelligence.

Yet another object of the present invention is to increase the profitassociated with operating or managing a facility.

Still another object of the present invention is to increase facilityoperation efficiency.

Another object of the present invention is to reduce the cost ofmanaging a facility.

Yet another object of the present invention is to facilitate the processof managing a facility.

Still another object of the present invention is to lower facilityinsurance premiums or encourage facility insurance discounts.

Another object of the present invention is to increase satisfaction fromtenants and other facility users.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide awall-mountable computer having an integrated keyboard.

Another object of the present invention is to encourage, increase andfacilitate the use of computers in the midst of household activities.

Still another object of the present invention is to guard computers andcomputer keyboards against damage.

Yet another object of the present invention is to decrease the thicknessof a computer having a keyboard which is adapted to be mounted to a wallor other upstanding member.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention aredescribed in, and will be apparent from, the following DetailedDescription of the Invention and the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a schematic block flow diagram illustrating the operation ofthe computer system in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block flow diagram illustrating the operation ofthe computer system used in conjunction with sensors in an apartmentbuilding in order to facilitate repair services.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the sensors in oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the plumbing conditionsensors in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the carpentry conditionsensors in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the electricalcondition sensors in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the device operationsensors in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram illustrating examples of devicescoupled to or including operation sensors in one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram illustrating other sensors in oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of an example of a service management center webpage of the website controlled by the computer system in one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of another example of a service management centerweb page of the website controlled by the computer system in oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of an example of a website of a facility ownerwhich is operatively coupled to the website controlled by the computersystem in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of a sensor enabled facilitymanagement system in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a schematic block diagram of a sensor system having acoupling module in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a schematic block flow diagram illustrating differentcoupling modules used to couple a sensor module to different types ofsensor-disabled facility management systems in one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 16 is a schematic block diagram of a sensor system having acoupling module with an emulation module in one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 17 is a schematic block flow diagram illustrating the operation ofthe emulation module of FIG. 16 in one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of an apartment unit having a computermounted to a wall in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a side elevation view of a computer accessing a web accountdesignated for a tenant or other facility user in one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 20 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a server system usedto control the web account of FIG. 19 in on embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 21 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a server system usedto control the web account of FIG. 19 in another embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 22 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a facility managementmodule included in the server systems of FIGS. 20 and 21 in oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is an elevated front perspective view of the computer having arotatable or pivotable keyboard in one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 24 is an elevated front perspective view of the computer of FIG. 23shown with the keyboard removed in one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 25 is a side elevation view of a slot and groove device used tocouple the keyboard to the computer housing in one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 26 is a side elevation view of a pivot or hinge device used tocouple the keyboard to the computer housing in one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 27 is a front elevation view, of a computer having an opening belowthe display device for positioning of the hands while the user isoperating a keyboard which is connected to the lower portion of thecomputer housing in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the electronicconfiguration of the computer in one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 29 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the electronicconfiguration of the computer in another embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION I. Facility Management ComputerSystem

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates the facilitymanagement computer system 10 of the present invention used inconjunction with one or more databases 12. The computer system 10directs one or more servers 14, operating on a network, such as theInternet 16, to control or host a graphical user interface (GUI), suchas a website 18. Through the Internet 16, the server 14 is also incommunication with one or more sensors 20. The sensors 20 are located ator in one or more buildings, parcels of real property or facilities 22.

In one embodiment, the facility 22 includes a structure or buildingincluding, without limitation, a multi-unit apartment building orcomplex, a multi-unit condominium building or complex, a house,residential housing, a dormitory, a hospital, a long term or short termhealthcare facility, a train station, a sports stadium, a concert hallor an entertainment hall. In another embodiment, the facility 22includes a parcel of real estate where people gather to participate inan event, including, without limitation, an indoor or outdoor carnival,public park or amusement park.

In operation, the sensors 20 observe or sense a plurality of variableconditions 24 of the facility 22, and the sensors 20 generate servicedata 21. The server 14 uses the computer system 10 in order to retrievethe service data 21 from the sensors 20, store the service data 21 inthe database 12 and present the service data 21 at the website 18.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the users of the website 18include: (a) tenants, residents, customers, patrons or other facilityusers 26; and (b) facility owners and lessors, property managementcompanies and agents thereof, facility operators, clerks,administrators, assistants, customer service representatives and otherfacility managers 30. It should be appreciated, however, that in oneembodiment not illustrated, the website 18 is only accessible tofacility managers 30. Here, the facility users 26 send service data 21to the server 14 from a personal on-line email account or any desirablewebsite on the Internet. In either embodiment, the users of the website18 can access the website 18 by using a suitable internet access device,such as a phone, personal digital assistant (PDA) or a personal computer31.

In one embodiment, the facility management computer system 10 includes aplurality of instructions 32 for receiving, manipulating and processingsensor-generated data and user-generated data. These instructions 32include service management instructions 34, accounting instructions 36and other suitable instructions 38. The service management instructions34 include a plurality of instructions associated with transferring andprocessing data 21 relating to services to be conducted at the facility22. These services can be used to repair, maintain or otherwise care forthe facility 22.

The accounting instructions 36 include a plurality of instructionsassociated with or relating to receiving, manipulating and processingaccounting information or data 46 associated with the facility 22 or theoperation or management of the facility 22. This accounting data 46 caninclude, but is not necessarily limited to, income data, expense data,appreciation data, depreciation data, tax data, accounts receivables(A/R's), bank account data and other financial information.

The computer system 10 includes a plurality of other suitableinstructions 38 associated with the processing of data relating to otheraspects of managing or operating the facility 22. For example, theseinstructions 38 may direct the server 14 to receive and process data 47related to descriptions or characteristics of the facility 22,descriptions or characteristics of facility users 26 or descriptions orinformation related to the facility manager 30.

As described further below, the service management instructions 34direct the server 14 to receive and process sensor-generated data 40derived from the sensors 20. The service management instructions 34 thendirect the server 14 to store this sensor-generated data 40 in databases12. In addition, the server 14 makes the sensor-generated data 40available or otherwise presents the data 40 to the users at the servicemanagement center 42 of the website 18.

As described above, the accounting instructions 36 of the computersystem 10 direct the server 14 to enable the users to input, manipulateand access accounting information or accounting data 46 at the website18. For example, the accounting instructions 36 may cause the server 14to present the users with a plurality of inputs at the website 18. Uponactivation of these inputs, the server 14 presents webpages 44 to theusers. These webpages 44 include fields and forms which enable the usersto enter, view and manipulate accounting information, such as rentalincome and accounts receivables. The server 14 then stores thisaccounting data 46 in the databases 12. As further described below, thecomputer system 10 also enables the users to manually inputuser-generated service data 41 at the website 18. This user-generatedservice data 41 is generated by, entered by, input by or otherwisederived from a human versus a sensor. For example, a manager 30 mayreceive a phone call about a hazardous stair, and the manager 30 mayenter service data 41 at the website 18 pertaining to the hazardousstair. Therefore, the service management center 42 presents not onlysensor-generated data 40 but also presents user-generated data 41related to services of the facility 22.

In operation, the sensors 21 generate sensor-generated data 40 from timeto time. The server 14 receives this data 40 and stores this data 40 inthe database 12. In one embodiment, the Transaction ControlProtocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is used to enable the devices 31 andsensors 20 to connect to the Internet 16. Each of the sensor 21, in oneembodiment, has a software module or hardware component which provideseach of the sensors 21 with a data transfer or communicationfunctionality in accordance with TCP/IP. Here, the server 14, eachdevice 31 and each sensor 20 has a unique IP address that can open andcommunicate through a relatively high number of ports for sending andreceiving data to or from one another. The computer system 10 directsthe server 14 to receive sensor-generated data 40 from the sensors 20,and the server 14 causes the website 18 to graphically represent thissensor-generated data 40. It should be appreciated, however, that otherembodiments can include other protocols suitable for data transmissionover the Internet or another network 16.

The structure or format for the service data 21 can include any suitabledata format specification or data format 49. In one embodiment, the dataformat 49 is Extensible Markup Language (XML), a specification developedby the World Wide Web Consortium. In another embodiment, thespecification is SensorML, a specification developed by the Open GISConsortium Inc. The SensorML specification provides an XML schema fordefining the geometric, dynamic and observational characteristics of asensor. In one embodiment, SensorML can be used to support theprocessing and location of data from many if not all types of sensors,whether mobile or dynamic, in-situ or remotely sensed, or active orpassive. The SensorML specification is described further in a DiscussionPaper entitled “Sensor Model Language (SensorML) for In-situ and RemoteSensors,” published by the Open GIS Consortium Inc. on Dec. 12, 2002.Such Discussion Paper is hereby incorporated by reference into thisDetailed Description of the Invention.

A. Sensors 1. Arrangement of Sensors

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the computer system 10 can be used inconjunction with an apartment building 48. The apartment building 48 mayinclude a plurality of living spaces, dwelling units or apartment units.For illustrative purposes only, the apartment building 48 has fourapartment units 50 to 56.

In addition, the apartment building 48 includes one or morecommunication mediums or communication channels 58. The communicationchannel 58 can include any channel, medium or device which enables theflow of data from the facility 48 to the Internet 16. For example, thecommunication channel 58 can include a digital subscriber line (DSL),intranet, a local area network, an Ethernet, a satellite uplink, acellular radio telephone link, a satellite packet data link, a RadioFrequency (RF) transmission, a land line, a microwave link, a satellitetransmitted global position system (GPS), an infrared link or any othersuitable data link.

In addition, each of the units 50 to 56 includes a router, gateway orother data communication device 60 which receives sensor-generated data40 from one of the sensors 62, 66, 72 or 76. The communication devices60 function as communication hubs for one or more sensors located ineach of the apartment units 50 to 56. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 2, the communication devices 60 are mounted to a wall in anapartment unit. The communication devices 60 can be implemented by oneor more microprocessors, firm ware, application-specific integratedcircuits and/or memory devices. The communication devices 60 operativelycouple the sensors in the apartment units 50 to 56 to the communicationchannel 48 of the facility, which, in turn, operatively couples thesesensors to the server 14 over the Internet 16.

Furthermore, each of the sensor 62, 66, 70 and 74, in one embodiment,include: (a) a microprocessor, such as a commercially availablemicroprocessor chip which includes an internal read only memory (ROM),internal random access memory (RAM), an analog to digital converter (A/Dconverter) and one or more input-output ports (I/O ports); (b) one ormore sensing algorithms with unique identification codes (UIC) todesignate the location of the sensor; and (c) a set of communicationcodes or signal codes stored in the internal ROM.

In addition, each of the sensors of the present invention include acomponent, device or circuitry which enables the sensors to transfersensor-generated data 40 to the communication devices 60, directly tothe communication channel 58 or directly to the Internet 16. In oneembodiment, the sensors have a transmitter or a transceiver in order totransmit data in the form of a radio frequency (RF) signal. In anotherembodiment, the sensors have an electronic configuration suitable fortransmitting data through electrical power lines. This can beimplemented using X10 technology or any other suitable technology. Inanother embodiment, the sensors are hardwired to the communicationdevices 60 or to the communication channel 58.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, apartment unit 50 includes asensor 62 used to detect or sense leaks from a plumbing apparatus 64.Apartment unit 52 includes a sensor 64 used to detect or sense the levelof light from one or more light apparatuses 68. Apartment unit 54includes a sensor 70 used to detect or sense to what extent a door knob72 has become unconnected or disengaged from a door. The sensor 74 inapartment unit 56 detects or senses whether or not a smoke detector 76is functioning properly. In this example, each of the sensors 62, 66, 70and 74 generate a radio frequency (RF) signal which is received by thecommunication devices 60.

In operation, the sensor 62 detects a leak in apartment unit 50, and thesensor 62 generates sensor-generated data 40 pertaining to the leak. Thecommunication device 60 transmits this sensor-generated data 40 to theserver 14 over the Internet 16. The computer system 10 enables theserver 14 to receive this sensor-generated data 40, store this data 40in the databases 12 and make this data 40 available to the users at theservice management center 42 at the website 18. The same type of processapplies to sensor 66 which may detect a loss of light in a stairwell,sensor 70 which may detect a loose doorknob and sensor 74 which maydetect a malfunctioning smoke detector 76.

It should be appreciated that any user 77 of the website 18 can accessthat website 18 using any suitable internet access device such as acellular phone 78 or a personal digital assistant (PDA) or handhelddevice 80. For example, if the sensor 74 observes or senses amalfunctioning smoke detector 76, the system 10 can direct the server 14to transmit an e-mail message to the users' telephone 78 or PDA 80,notifying the user of the malfunctioning smoke detector 76. The user 77may then arrange for a contractor or service provider to dispatch arepair unit 82 to the facility 48.

2. Types of Sensors

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the computer system 10 can be used inconjunction with any suitable sensor including, without limitation,plumbing condition sensors 84, carpentry condition sensors 86,electrical condition sensors 88, device operation sensors 90 and othersensors 92. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the plumbing condition sensors 84can, in one embodiment, include: (a) a plumbing sensor 94 which detectsor senses one or more plumbing characteristics; (b) a leak sensor 96which detects or senses fluid, liquid or water leakage from a plumbingapparatus such as a pipe or a sink; (c) a flood sensor 98 which detectsor senses the occurrence and/or level of flooding in a facility; (d) aliquid sensor 100 which detects the presence of liquid; (e) a moisturesensor 102 which detects or senses the degree of moisture or humidity inthe facility; and (f) any other suitable plumbing condition sensor 104.

In one embodiment, the carpentry condition sensors 86, illustrated inFIG. 5, include: (a) a pressure sensor 106 which senses pressure orforce per unit area acting upon a surface; (b) a level sensor 108 whichsenses the extent to which a surface is level; (c) a deformation sensor110 which senses the occurrence of or extent to which a surface ormember bends or otherwise deforms; and (d) any other suitable carpentrycondition sensor 112.

In one embodiment, the electrical condition sensors 88, illustrated inFIG. 6, include: (a) a power sensor 114 which senses whether or notthere is electrical power or electrical current present in an electricalline or electrical apparatus; (b) a power load sensor 116 which sensesthe level or extent of electrical power present in an electrical line orelectrical apparatus; (c) a power loss sensor 118 which senses a loss orlack of electrical power in an electrical line or in an electricalapparatus; and (d) any other suitable electrical condition sensor 120.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the device operation sensors 90 sensecharacteristics of various devices, such as devices 122 to 128. Sensor130 senses one or more voltage characteristics of device 122. Sensor 134senses one or more electrical current characteristics of device 124.Sensor 138 senses one or more electrical signal characteristics 140 ofdevice 126, and sensor 142 senses one or more energy storagecharacteristics 144 of device 128. The sensors 130, 134, 138 and 142monitor various characteristics of electronic devices such as smokedetectors, carbon monoxide detectors and other devices. For example, thesensor 142 can detect when a smoke detector 128 has a bad battery. Inanother example, the sensor 138 can detect when a carbon monoxidedetector 126 is producing an alarm indicating a harmful level of carbonmonoxide in the air. It should be appreciated that the device operationsensors 90 can sense and observe characteristics of different types ofdevices 600 in facilities, including, but not limited to, washers 602,dryers 604, laundry devices 606, metal detectors 608, game devices 610,vending machines 612 as well as door access systems, card key systems,turnstiles, appliances and cash registers.

Referring to FIG. 8, it should be understood that many electrical orelectronic devices 146 can include or incorporate a sensor 20 or thefunctionality of a sensor. In one embodiment, these devices 146 includeutility-related devices 148 and safety-related devices 150. In oneembodiment, the utility-related devices 148 include a utility device152, utility meter 154, heating system 156, cooling system 158, heatingventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system 160, light system 162 andsprinkler system 164. The safety related devices 150 include, in oneembodiment, safety device 166, smoke detector 168, hazardous gasdetector 170, carbon monoxide detector 172, fire alarm system 174, firesprinkler system 176, security system 178, motion detector 180, camerasystem 182 and door access system 184.

Each of these devices 148 and 150 can produce signals or transmit dataassociated with an operational characteristic of such devices or acharacteristic of the facility where the devices are located. It shouldbe appreciated that the computer system 10 can be used in conjunctionwith other sensors 92 illustrated in FIG. 9. In one embodiment, sensors92 include: (a) a light sensor 186 which detects the presence of lightin an area or space of a facility; (b) a light level sensor 188 whichdetects the level of light in an area of the facility; (c) a soundsensor or audio sensor 190 which senses the occurrence of a designatedsound wave or a designated magnitude of sound in or around a facility;and (d) a pest activity sensor 192 which senses the activity of pest inor around the facility, such as the motion of insects or rodents.

B. Website Functionality 1. Service Management Center

In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, the computer system 10 enablesthe server 14 to host a website 18. The website 18 includes: (a) aservice management function or center 42; (b) an accounting function orcenter 194; (c) a communication function or center 196; (d) a buildingfunction or center 198; (e) a tenant function or center 200; and (f) areport function or center 202. For each of these centers 42, 194, 196,198, 200 and 202, the computer system 10 includes a set of computerreadable instructions associated with each of such centers. When afacility manager 30 logs onto the website 18, the manager 30 has accessto each of these centers.

The computer system 10 directs the server 14 to provide the facilitymanager 30 with one or more hyperlinks or graphical inputs associatedwith the service management center 42. Upon the user's activation ofthese inputs, the server 14, under direction of the computer system 10,causes the website 18 to display a service management center webpage204.

The webpage 204 includes a plurality of hyperlinks or inputs 206 to 214.Upon the user's activation of the select buildings input 206, thecomputer system 10 causes the website 18 to display one or more webpages(not shown). These webpages provide the user with inputs which enablethe user to select one or more buildings or properties for which theuser is seeking service data. After selecting one or more buildings, thewebpage 204 displays only the service data associated with the selectedbuildings.

Upon the user's activation of the input 208, the computer system 10causes the website 18 to display one or more webpages (not shown). Thesewebpages present the user with one or more forms, fields, or pull downmenus which enable to the user to input or create one or more serviceprompts. For example, the service prompt may began annual inspection ofthe heating system of a facility. Here, a manager can provide a serviceprompt indicating that a particular heating system of a particularbuilding must undergo an annual maintenance service by August 1st ofeach year. In another example, if a manager learns on his/her own that awindow in the lower level of the facility is cracked, the manager caninput a service prompt indicating that this window must be repaired.

Upon the user's activation of the rules input 210, the computer system10 causes the website 18 to present one or more webpages (not shown) tothe user. These webpages present the user with one or more forms, fieldsand/or pull down menus. By making designated inputs at these webpages,the computer system 10 enables the user to establish certain rules forthe service management center 42. For example, one selectable rule maycause a communication to go to dedicated personnel when certainconditions at the facility are detected. For example, a server 14 cansend an e-mail or voicemail to an Internet access device of a user anytime a water leak is detected. According to another selectable rule, thecomputer system 10 can cause the server 14 to send daily e-mailreminders to designated managers regarding the repairs listed on thewebpage 204 which have not yet been completed.

The maps input 212, upon activation, causes the website 18 to display aplurality of webpages (not shown). These webpages present the user witha plurality of inputs. Upon the user's activation of these inputs, thecomputer system 10 causes the website 18 to display geographic maps ofone or more buildings or facilities. For example, a manager may beresponsible for managing six different apartment complexes dispersedthroughout the City of Chicago. Each of these complexes may have severalservice prompts listed at the webpage 204. By activating an input, thewebsite 18 generates a map which graphically indicates the geographiclocation of each of the service prompts. These maps assist the managerto determine whether or not there has been, for example, a power outageaffecting a series of complexes or a gas leakage affecting one or moreof the complexes.

In one embodiment, these maps include a set of symbols associated withdesignated service prompts. For examples different symbols areassociated with different events, such as a power outage, gas leakage,fire and hazardous weather report. Accordingly, the manager can view ageographic map which, at a glance, informs the manager of certain eventswhich have affected certain geographical regions. This function assiststhe manager in making decisions regarding response time which, in turn,facilitates the dispatching of service providers to the facility.

Upon the manager's activation of the work order input 214, the website18 displays one or more webpages (not shown). These webpages display adesignated work order form. The computer system 10 enables the managerto complete this form, addressing a particular service prompt, and thentransmit that form to a designated service provider. The computer system10 enables the manager to transmit this completed form to serviceproviders by e-mail, facsimile or regular mail.

In addition to providing these inputs 206 to 214, the webpage 204 alsoprovides the user with a plurality of inputs or actions 216 to 222related to a service prompt 224. As described below, service prompts 224can be provided by managers 30, facility users 26 and sensors 20. Aservice prompt can include a reminder, a note or a description relatedto the need to perform a service, such as a repair or maintenanceactivity. Corresponding to the service prompt 224, is locationinformation 226, alert level information 228, date information 230 andinformation about the source 232 of the service prompt 224.

In operation of one embodiment, the sensors 20 and managers 30 can inputservice prompts 224 into the service management center 42. Each serviceprompt 224 is associated with a particular location 226, an alert level228, a date 230 and the source of the prompt 224. In the exampleillustrating FIGS. 10 and 11, a sensor 234 observes a sink leak 236 atlocation 238—Building 7, Unit 210 on the date 240 of Feb. 6, 2003. Basedon the rules 210 selected by the manager 30, the service managementcenter 42 indicates a high alert level 242 for the sink leak 236.

The webpage 204 displays this information to the manager 30 and enablesthe manager 30 to take action on this information. The manager 30 cantake action by activating the more information input 216, the modifyinput 218, the mail input 220 or the file away input 222. Upon themanager's activation of the more information input 216, the computersystem 10 causes the website 18 to display one or more webpages (notshown). These webpages display additional information related to theservice prompt 236.

Upon the manager's activation of the modify input 218, the system 10causes the website 18 to display one or more webpages (not shown). Thesewebpages provide the manager 30 with one or more inputs which enable themanager 30 to inactivate or delete the service prompt 236 or tootherwise modify the service prompt 236, the location 238, the alert242, the date 240, or the source 234. For example, the manager canchange the alert level from high to medium.

Upon activating the mail input 220, the manager causes the serviceprompt 236 and associated information to be sent to an e-mail address ofa designated contractor, janitor, employee or other service provider.Upon the manager's activation of the file away input 222, the computersystem 10 enables the manager to enter notes or remarks regarding theservice prompt 236. The manger may then file away this service prompt236 thereby removing it from the webpage 204. The same process applies,in this example, to: (a) the malfunctioning smoke detector 237 detectedby the sensor 239 and associated with property location 241—Building 28,Unit 18, high alert 243 and the date 245 of Feb. 6, 2003; (b) theinsufficient lighting 246 detected by sensor 254 and associated withproperty location 248—Building 3, Area 2, high alert level 250 and thedate 252 of Feb. 4, 2003; (c) the loose door knob 256 detected by thesensor 264 and associated with location 258—Building 12, Area 5, amedium alert level 260 and a date 262 of Jan. 19, 2003; and (d) acracked walkway 266 detected by tenant 274 and associated with propertylocation 268—Building 16, Area 3, a low alert level 270 and a date 272of Feb. 14, 2003.

In the case of the cracked walkway 266, the tenant 274 may have reportedthis information by phone to the manager, and the manager may haveentered this information at the webpage 204. Alternatively, the tenant274 may have electronically transmitted this service prompt 266 usingthe communication center 196 described further below.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the service prompts 224 can also includemaintenance prompts or deadlines. In this example, a sewage linemaintenance event 276 is entered by a manager 284 and associated withlocation 278—Building 15, a low alert level 280 and a date 282 of Nov.3, 2003. An HVAC maintenance prompt 286 is entered by a manager 294.This prompt 286 is associated with a location 288—Building 12, a lowpriority level 290 and a due date 292 of Jan. 9, 2004. A window washingprompt 296 is provided by a manager 304. The window washing prompt 296is associated with the location 298—Building 8, a low alert level 300and a due date 302 of Mar. 3, 2004. A floor waxing prompt 306 isprovided by a manager 304. This floor waxing prompt 306 is associatedwith a location 308—Building 11, Area 2, a low alert level 310 and a duedate 312 of Apr. 16, 2004. In addition, a fire alarm test 316 isprovided by a manager 324. The fire alarm test 316 is associated with alocation 318—Building 9, a low alert level 320 and a due date 322 ofJun. 26, 2004.

These examples illustrate the functionality of the computer system 10 inenabling the service management center 42 to docket user-generatedservice data and sensor-generated service data. The user-generatedservice data can come from managers, field workers, contractors,tenants, residents and others. The service management center 42integrates the user-generated service data with the sensor-generatedservice data and further enables the users of the website 18 tomanipulate this data as he/she deems appropriate.

2. Accounting Center

In one embodiment of the present invention, the accounting center 194includes: (a) a banking center 326 which enables the user to conductbanking functions such as checkwriting and reconciliation, makingdeposits, and generally tracking funds. In one embodiment, the bankingcenter 326 enables the user to accept electronic payments from tenantsand residents and also make electronic payments to payees. The bankingcenter 326 is preferably operatively coupled to one or more banks orfinancial institutions which hold funds for a facility manager or owner.The accounts receivable center 328 of the accounting center 194 enablesthe manager to track payments due by tenants or residents. The billmanagement center 330 of the accounting center 194 enables the user toaccess electronic bills and pay those bills electronically or by regularmail.

3. Communication Center

The communication center 196 of the website 18 enables the users of thewebsite 18 to transmit electronic messages to one another which relateto information available at the website 18. In one embodiment, thecommunication center 196 is operatively coupled to an email managementsystem such as the commercially available Outlook™ system of theMicrosoft™ corporation. In this embodiment, the automated servicemessages originating from the service management center 42 areautomatically delivered to the email management system of the user.

In another embodiment, the communication center 196 includes a pluralityof instructions which are operatively coupled to a plurality of inputs.These inputs are accessible at the service management center 42,accounting center 194, building center 198, tenant center 200 and/orreport center 202. Here, when a user is accessing or inputting certaininformation at the website 18, the communication center 196 provides theuser with the opportunity to send an email to another user by activatingan input or hyperlink which is incorporated into or associated with thatinformation.

For example, if the user has a question about an accounts receivableentry, the user can click on that entry, and the communications center196 displays an email message form which includes information pertainingto that accounts receivable entry. The user may then send an emailmessage to a particular user, for example, asking that user foradditional information pertaining to that entry. With thisfunctionality, the communications center 196 provides a plurality ofemail inputs dispersed throughout the website 18. These dispersed inputsare associated with designated types of information available at thewebsite 18. Upon activation of these inputs, the computer system 10generates email forms, opens email channels and assists users in sendingtask-specific emails to others.

In another embodiment, the communication center 196 includes a pluralityof instructions which operatively couple a tenant or residentcommunication channel to the computer system 10. This embodiment enablestenants or residents to send electronic communications or emails to theserver 14, which will ultimately be delivered to the website 18. Thesecommunications from tenants and other residents can include repair orservice-related messages or other messages related to lease renewal,late rent fees, assessment fees, security concerns or other matters.

In one example of this embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, GoldSun LuxuryApartments, the owner of an apartment complex, hosts its own website332. The website 332 is accessible to the tenants of the apartmentcomplex and to the public in general. In this embodiment, the website332 includes an input 334 which enables a tenant to access privatewebpages. To access such private webpages, the tenant must enter a username at field 336 and a password at field 338.

Upon entering the user name 336 and password 338, the website 332enables the tenant to review certain information about the tenant'sapartment and lease, for example. The website 332 also enables thetenant to send an email message. In one embodiment, the website 332provides the user with a form for preparing an email and a dropdown listor plurality of selectable designated messages. Upon writing a messageor selecting one of the designated messages, the website 332 enables theuser to activate an input. Upon activation of this input, the website332 transmits the email message to the communication center 196 of thewebsite 18.

The computer system 10 processes this email. Depending upon the type ofemail message, the computer system 10 may cause the tenant's message toautomatically appear as a service prompt 224 at the service managementcenter 204. Alternatively, the computer system 10 may cause the messageto appear in an inbox of the communication center 196. The managers canaccess the tenant's message and respond accordingly.

4. Building Center, Tenant Center and Report Center

In one embodiment, building center 198 enables the users to store,retrieve and organize information related to the properties and thebuildings. This information may include, but is not limited to, propertydimensions, size, number of units, age, construction type, zoningparameters, mortgage information, insurance information and otherproperty-related information.

The tenant center 200, in one embodiment, enables the users of thewebsite 18 to store, retrieve and organize information related to thetenants, including, but not limited to, the tenant's name, address,application information, credit history, lease information, securitydeposit information and other tenant-related information. The reportcenter 202 enables the users of the website 18 to generate reports,graphs and charts which indicate data and information stored in thedatabase 12. Certain of these reports integrate sensor-generated data 40with user-generated data 41.

C. Coupling Module for Sensor-Disabled Management Systems

Referring to FIG. 13, in one embodiment of the present invention, thecomputer system 10 is implemented by operatively coupling a sensorsystem 342 to a sensor disabled facility management system 344. Here,the facility management system 344 is not adapted to processsensor-generated data. However, the manager may be interested incontinuing the use of such sensor-disabled facility management system344. In order to enable such continued use while accommodatingsensor-generated data, the present invention includes a sensor system342 which is operatively coupled to the sensor-disabled facilitymanagement system 344.

In this embodiment, the sensor-disabled system 344 includes a server 346in communication with a database 348. In addition, the sensor system 342includes a server 14 in communication with a coupling module 350. Asillustrated in FIG. 14, the sensor system 342 includes a set ofinstructions associated with processing sensor-generated data. This setof instructions is referred to as a sensor module 352. The couplingmodule 350 includes a plurality of instructions which operatively orlogically couple the sensor module 352 to the sensor-disabled system344. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the present invention can includedifferent coupling modules associated with different facility managementsystems. For example, coupling module 354 may operatively couple sensormodule 352 to facility management system 360. Coupling module 356 mayoperatively couple sensor module 352 to facility management system 362,and coupling module 358 may operatively couple sensor module 352 tofacility management system 364.

In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16, the coupling module 366includes an emulation module 368. The emulation module 368 instructs theserver 14 to communicate with the server 346 in such a fashion that thesensor-generated data 40 can be processed by the facility managementsystem 344 as if the sensor-generated data 40 were user-generated data.As illustrated in FIG. 17, the emulation process, in one embodiment,involves an initial step 370 of the sensor server 14 retrievingsensor-generated data 40 from the sensor 20. As illustrated in step 372,the sensor server 14 then emulates a user-controlled browser. During theemulation, the sensor server 14 initiates a browser session with thefacility management server 346 as indicated in step 374. The sensorserver 14 then transfers the data 40 to the facility management server346 during the browser session, as indicated by step 376. By includingthe emulation module 368, the computer system 10 of the presentinvention can be implemented with a sensor-disabled facility managementsystem with little or no reprogramming of the sensor-disabled facilitymanagement system.

It should be appreciated that the computer system 10 of the presentinvention preferably includes a plurality of modules which determine theoverall functionality of system 10. Each module includes a set ofcomputer-readable instructions which are related to a designated subjectmatter, topic or purpose. This type of modular construction of thecomputer system 10 can be written using any suitable computerprogramming language, including without limitation, object-orientedlanguages such as commercially available Java™ or C++™. In oneembodiment, each of the different centers 42, 194, 330, 196, 198, 200and 202 of the website 18, include different modules. It should beappreciated, however, that the computer system 10 can be written as asingle module or a single set of instructions.

The computer system of the present invention, in one embodiment,includes a computer system that controls a website that is accessible tofacility managers. The computer system is used in conjunction withsensors located at facilities. The computer system enables the websiteto gather and present sensor-generated data pertaining to thefacilities. At the same time, the computer system enables the manager ofthe facility to use the website as a fully functional facilitymanagement system. Accordingly, the manager can manually enter, store,organize and retrieve property management data at the website. Thesensor-generated data is integrated with the manually input data.Therefore, the computer system enables the facility manager to accessinformation and reports which incorporate sensor-generated data. Thisassists the facility managers in increasing the efficiency of operatingthe facility, minimizing loss and damage to the facility and maximizingprofits.

II. Wall-Mountable Computer A. Facility Management Applications

As described above, in one embodiment of the present invention, thecomputer system 10 enables tenants, residents and other facility usersto transmit email messages and data which is ultimately transferred tothe website 18. To increase the convenience of making suchcommunications, the present invention includes a wall-mountablecomputer.

Referring to FIGS. 18 to 22, the present invention includes a computer400 adapted to be mounted or secured to an upright or upstandingstructure, such as a wall 402 in an apartment unit 404. The computer 400provides a tenant with access to the Internet and, specifically, withaccess to a web account 406 designated for the tenant. In oneembodiment, the web account 406 includes an e-mail center 408, an inbox410, a pay rent on-line center 412, an apartment information center 414and a calendar of events 416.

A server system controls the hosting of the web account 406. In oneembodiment, the server system 418 includes a facility management module420. The facility management module 420 controls the operation of thecenter 408, inbox 410 and centers 412 to 414. In addition, the facilitymanagement module 420 operatively couples the server of the web account406 to the server 14. Therefore, when the tenant sends an email messageor pays rent on-line, these transactions are transferred to the website18 accessible to the facility managers 30.

In another embodiment, computer 400 includes: (a) a door entrycontroller 424 enabling the tenant to remotely open an entrance door ofthe facility for a visitor; (b) a security controller 426 which controlsthe security system of the apartment unit 404; and (c) a monitoringsystem 428 which functions as the communicate device 60 described above.In this embodiment, the server system 422 for the web account 406includes a facility management module 420, a door entry module 424 and asecurity system module 426.

For both server systems 418 and 422, the facility management module 420includes: (a) an email module 428 for controlling the operation of theemail center 408 and the inbox 410; (b) an electronic payment module 430for controlling the on-line fund transfer transactions of the on-linerental pay center 412; and (c) a facility information module 432 forcontrolling and updating the apartment information center 414.

In addition, the web account 406 includes one or more advertisementimages 434. In one embodiment, the on-line advertisers contract with thefacility owner in order to acquire the right to post such advertisements434. It should be appreciated that the web account 406 can also displayartwork and important graphical information, such as the fire escaperoute for the apartment facility.

B. Household and Other Applications

Referring to FIGS. 23 to 29, the computer of the present invention canbe used, not only in the facility management context, but also in abroad range of other applications, including, but not limited to, afacility, a household or a transport, such as an elevator, an interiorportion of a land vehicle, an interior portion of an air vehicle and aninterior portion of a water vehicle.

The computer 436 is securable to an upstanding structure (not shown),such as a wall, seat or dashboard. It should be understood that theupstanding structure need not be perpendicular to a horizontal plane.The computer 436 includes: (a) a central processing unit (CPU) orprocessor 438 which controls a display device 440; (b) a keyboard 442which enables a user to provide inputs to the processor 438; (c) amemory device 444 used by the processor 438 to perform a plurality ofcomputer functions; (d) one or more speakers 441 for outputting sound;and (e) a housing 446 which houses the processor 438 and memory device444 and which also supports the display device 440 and the keyboard 442.

The display device 440 has a screen 448 which is flat or substantiallyflat. Therefore, the screen 448 is substantially positionable in aplane. The keyboard 442 has a top surface 450. The top surface 450 isalso substantially flat and therefore substantially positionable in aplane. In addition, the keyboard 442 has a cylindrical-shaped orsemi-cylindrical shaped bottom surface. As described below, the user canadjust the position of the keyboard 442 so that the top 450 of thekeyboard 442 and the screen 448 substantially lie in the same plane.

The housing 446 has a back surface (not shown) which is engagable withthe upstanding structure, and the housing 446 has a front surface 452.In one embodiment, the front surface 452 is an integral, one-piecemember constructed of a single mold. The front surface 452 has aplurality of walls 454 that define a screen opening (not shown) or ascreen region 456. The screen opening is positioned in line with thescreen 448 of the display device 440. The walls 454 surround the screen448, enabling the user to view the screen 448 through the screenopening.

In addition, the front surface 452 has a keyboard region 460 locatedbelow the screen region 456. The front surface 452 has a plurality ofwalls 462 defining a cut-away or cavity 464 within the keyboard region460; and (b) at least one, and preferably a plurality of spaced apartcoupling members 466 positioned within the keyboard region 460. Thecoupling members 466 are positioned along a common axis 468. In theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 23 to 24, the coupling members 466 arerods or shafts which function as pivot points for the ends 467 of thekeyboard 442. Here, the walls 462 function, in part, as guard membersthat protect the keyboard 442 from impact from people and objects.

The keyboard 442 is pivotable or rotatable between a first or closedposition and a second or open position. In the closed position, thekeyboard 442 is upwardly rotated or pivoted until the plane of the topsurface 450 of the keyboard 442 is substantially parallel with the planeof the screen 448. In this position, the keyboard 442 is least likely tobe damaged caused by contact with a person or an object passing by thecomputer 436. In addition, the closed keyboard 442 causes the computer436 to occupy less space. In the open position, keyboard 442 isdownwardly rotated or pivoted until the plane of the top surface 450 ofthe keyboard 442 is substantially perpendicular to or otherwiseintersects with the plane of the screen 448. In this open position,illustrated in FIG. 23, the keyboard 442 has a conventional horizontaloperating position even though the screen 448 has a vertical position.This makes is convenient for users to operate the keyboard 442 whilestanding, for example, in a kitchen.

In one embodiment, the housing 446 includes a keyboard position controldevice 469. In the illustrated embodiment, the position control device469 includes a plurality of equally spaced-apart protrusions. Theprotrusions are positioned on the ends 467 of the keyboard 442. Theseprotrusions removably mate with a plurality of slots (not shown) definedby each of the end walls 471 of the keyboard region 460. In operation,the user applies a certain degree of force in order to unseat theprotrusions from the slots to reposition the keyboard 442.

In addition, the computer 436 has a plurality of securing members 470.Each securing member 470 includes a wall 472 which extends from thefront surface 452 through the back surface of the computer 436. The wall472 defines a fastener opening that is sized and shaped so as to receivea suitable screw, bolt or other fastener (not shown). The user can affixor secure the computer 436 to an upstanding structure, such as a kitchenwall, by inserting such fasteners through such fastener openings andsecuring the fasteners to the upstanding structure. Also, the securingmembers 470 include lock members or devices 474. The lock devices 474,in one embodiment, include a keyhole which enable only a user with a keyto access such fasteners.

In one embodiment, the computer 436 has at least one hand-controlledinput device other than the keyboard 442. In the illustrated example,the computer 436 has a touch pad 476 positioned on the keyboard 442. Inother embodiments, the computer 436 has a mouse, a trackball and/or astylus. The computer 436 also has plurality of standard input or controlbuttons 477 which enable the user to control certain settings of thecomputer 436 as well as the power of the computer 436.

The computer 436 also has a plurality of ports or connection devices 479located on the front surface 452 of the housing 446 for convenientaccess. Here, a sliding door 481 is movable to cover and expose theconnection devices 479. In one embodiment, a personal digital assistant(PDA) is connectable to one of these ports 479, and the computer 436includes a PDA holder, PDA arm or another type of PDA support memberadapted to support one or more PDA's. In addition, the computer 436includes a hard disk drive 483 and a drive 485 which functions as aCDROM (Compact Disk-Read-Only Memory) drive and a DVD (Digital VideoDisk) drive.

Referring to FIG. 25, in one embodiment, the housing 446 of the computer436 includes a sliding coupling device 478 which slidably couples thekeyboard 442 to the housing 446. The coupling device 478 includes anarc-shaped slot wall 480 positioned on each of the end walls 471 of thehousing 446. Also, the coupling device 478 includes a protrusion member482 connected to each end 467 of the keyboard 442. The protrusion member482 is received by and mates with the slot wall 480. This enables theuser to adjust the keyboard 442 by sliding the keyboard 442 along thearc-shaped slot wall 480.

As illustrated in FIG. 26, in one embodiment, the housing 446 of thecomputer 436 includes a pivoting coupling device 484 which pivotallycouples the keyboard 442 to the housing 446. The coupling device 484includes a hinge, pin, or shaft 486 coupled to each of the wall ends 471of the keyboard region 460. Each of the shafts 486 is engaged with oneof the ends 467 of the keyboard 442. This enables users to pivot thekeyboard 442 upward and downward.

In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 27, the computer 436 has ahousing 488 which includes a screen region 490 and a keyboard region 492located below the screen region 490. The housing 488 has a plurality ofwalls 494 that define a cavity 496. The cavity 496 extends from thefront through the backside of the computer 436. The cavity 496 issufficiently sized and shaped so as to receive the user's hands whilethe user is operating the keyboard 497. In this embodiment, the keyboard497 is non-movably or rigidly connected to the lower wall 498 of thehousing 488. It should be appreciated, however, that in otherembodiments, the keyboard 497 can be adapted to have a designatedincline or an angle adjustment device.

Referring to FIG. 29 in one embodiment, the memory device 444 of thecomputer 436 includes Read Only Memory (ROM) 500 and Random AccessMemory (RAM) 502. The ROM 500 stores: (a) a door entry module 504 whichhas instructions and/or circuitry for operating a door control system ofa house or other facility; (b) a security system module 506 which hasinstructions and/or circuitry for operating a security system for ahouse or other facility; (c) a sensor module 508 which has instructionsand/or circuitry for managing communications with sensors in a house orother facility; and (d) a phone module 520 which has instructions and/orcircuitry for operating a phone system in a house or other facility.

In operation, the processor 438 receive inputs from: (a) a door entrysystem or door system 512 for a house or other facility; (b) a securitysystem 514 for a house or other facility; (c) a plurality of sensors 516located in a house or other facility; (d) a phone system 518 for a houseor other facility; (e) a touch screen 520 included within the displaydevice 440; and (f) a keyboard 442. In addition to providing output tothe display device 440 and the speakers 441, the processor 438 alsoprovides output to the phone system 518 and a printer 522.

In one embodiment, the memory device 444 stores a plurality ofinstructions which direct the processor to control an Internet browserbased on inputs from a user. When a designated event occurs, theinstructions cause the processor 438 to automatically redirect theInternet browser to a website designated for a household or facility. Inthis embodiment, the user or facility manager may subscribe to theservices of an Internet service provider. The Internet service providermay provide free or relatively low cost Internet access in exchange forreceiving the right to designate the service provider's website as adefault home website for the computer 436. This would thus enable theservice provider to advertise products and services to the user usingthe default website.

In one embodiment, each of the computers 400 and 436 is programmed orconfigured so that the default website is not adjustable or changeableby the user. The computers may be programmed to return to the defaultwebsite when any suitable event occurs, including, but not limited to,an expiration of a period of time during which the user has made noinputs, the computers being shut off, the computers being reset and theInternet browser being opened.

In one embodiment, the memory device 444 includes a plurality ofinstructions which direct the processor 438 to automatically retrieve adesignated image from a website designated for a house or a facilitywhen a designated event occurs. The instructions cause the displaydevice 440 to display the retrieved designated image for a period oftime until a designated event occurs. The designated image can includean advertisement image, a graphical representation of facility-relatedinformation or artwork.

In another embodiment, each of the computers 400 and 436 has anelectronic configuration including a processor, a system controller, acache, and a data-path chip, each coupled to a host bus. The processoris a microprocessor such as a 486-type chip, a Pentium.RTM.,Pentium.RTM. II, Pentium.RTM. III, Pentium.RTM. 4, or other suitablemicroprocessor. The cache provides high-speed local-memory data (in oneembodiment, for example, 512 kB of data) for the processor, and iscontrolled by the system controller, which loads the cache with datathat is expected to be used soon after the data is placed in the cache(i.e., in the near future).

The main memory is coupled between the system controller and data-pathchip, and in one embodiment, provides random-access memory of between 16MB and 256 MB or more of data. In one embodiment, the main memory isprovided on SIMMs (Single In-line Memory Modules), while in anotherembodiment, the main memory is provided on DIMMs (Dual In-line MemoryModules), each of which plugs into suitable sockets provided on amotherboard holding other components. The main memory includes standardDRAM (Dynamic Random-Access Memory), EDO (Extended Data Out) DRAM, SDRAM(Synchronous DRAM), or other suitable memory technology. The systemcontroller controls PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus, a localbus that provides a high-speed data path between the processor andvarious peripheral devices, such as graphics devices, storage drives andnetwork cabling.

A data-path chip is also controlled by the system controller to assistin routing data between the main memory, the host bus, and the PCI bus.In one embodiment, the PCI bus provides a 32-bit-wide data path thatruns at 33 MHz; In another embodiment, the PCI bus provides a64-bit-wide data path that runs at 33 MHz. In yet other embodiments, thePCI bus provides 32-bit-wide or 64-bit-wide data paths that run athigher speeds. In one embodiment, PCI bus provides connectivity to anI/O bridge, a graphics controller, and one or more PCI connectors (i.e.,sockets into which a card edge may be inserted), each of which accepts astandard PCI card. In one embodiment, the I/O bridge and the graphicscontroller are each integrated on the motherboard along with the systemcontroller, in order to avoid a board-connector-board signal-crossinginterface and thus provide better speed and reliability.

In this embodiment, the graphics controller is coupled to a video memory(that includes memory such as DRAM, EDO DRAM, SDRAM, or VRAM (VideoRandom-Access Memory)), and drives a VGA (Video Graphics Adaptor) port.The VGA port can connect to industry-standard monitors such as aVGA-type, SVGA (Super VGA)-type, XGA-type (extended Graphics Adaptor) orSXGA-type (Super XGA) display devices.

Other input/output (I/O) cards having a PCI interface can be pluggedinto the PCI connectors. The network connections providing video inputare also represented by the PCI connectors, and include Ethernet devicesand cable modems for coupling to a high speed Ethernet network or cablenetwork which is further coupled to the Internet.

In one embodiment, the I/O bridge is a chip that provides connection andcontrol to one or more independent IDE or SCSI connectors, to a USB(Universal Serial Bus) port, and to an ISA (Industry StandardArchitecture) bus. In this embodiment, the IDE connector providesconnectivity for up to two standard IDE-type devices such as hard diskdrives, CDROM (Compact Disk-Read-Only Memory) drives, DVD (Digital VideoDisk) drives, videocassette recorders, or TBU (Tape-Backup Unit)devices. In one similar embodiment, two IDE connectors are provided, andeach provide the EIDE (Enhanced IDE) architecture. In the embodimentshown, a SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) connector providesconnectivity for up to seven or fifteen SCSI-type devices (depending onthe version of SCSI supported by the embodiment).

In one embodiment, the I/O bridge provides an ISA bus having one or moreISA connectors (in one embodiment, three connectors are provided). Inone embodiment, the ISA bus is coupled to the I/O controller, which inturn provides connections to two serial ports, a parallel port, and aFDD (Floppy-Disk Drive) connector. At least one serial port is coupledto a modem for connection to a telephone system providing Internetaccess through an Internet service provider. In one embodiment, the ISAbus is connected to a buffer, which is connected to an X bus, whichprovides connections to a real-time clock, a keyboard/mouse controllerand a keyboard BIOS ROM (Basic Input/Output System Read-Only Memory)345, and to a system BIOS ROM.

Each of the computers 400 and 436 performs several functions. Suchfunctions are implemented in software in one embodiment, where thesoftware comprises computer executable instructions stored on computerreadable media such as disk drives coupled to connectors, and executedfrom the main memory and the cache. The term “computer readable medium”is also used to represent carrier waves on which the software istransmitted.

It should be appreciated that each of the computers 400 and 436 can haveany size which is suitable for its application. In one embodiment, thescreen of the computer is sized similar to that of a conventionalpersonal computer. In another embodiment, the computer is miniaturizedor relatively small so that the computer can be mounted within adashboard of a vehicle.

The present invention, in one embodiment, includes a website controlledby the computer system 10. The website is accessible to propertymanagers, service providers and facility users. The computer system 10directs one or more servers to process sensor-generated data along withdata manually input by property managers and users regarding thefacility. The computer system 10 thus provides one central location forthe management of service data derived by users as well as sensors. Thistype of computer system enhances the efficiency and convenience ofowning, operating and managing facilities.

In another embodiment, the present invention includes a wall-mountablecomputer. The computer has a built-in keyboard which is positioned orpositionable for operation while the computer is secured to anupstanding structure, such as a wall. The wall-mountable computer bringsthe functionality of the personal office computer to those involved incarrying out household activities on a regular basis. The integratedkeyboard enables the computer to be relatively thin which, in turn,safeguards the computer and enhances the aesthetics of the computer.This type of computer provides a relatively high degree of convenienceto computer users.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to thepresently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention andwithout diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intendedthat such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

1. A computer system for managing a facility through use of a processoraccessible over a network, the facility having at least one sensor forsensing variable conditions of the facility, the computer systemcomprising: a plurality of instructions which direct the processor to:(a) control a graphical user interface accessible to a user of thecomputer system; (b) receive user-generated data input by said userthrough use of the graphical user interface, the user-generated dataincluding data related to facility description, facility users, facilityincome and facility expenses; (c) receive sensor-generated data from thesensor, the sensor-generated data related to one of the variableconditions of the facility; (d) process the user-generated data and thesensor-generated data; and (e) cause the graphical user interface toindicate the user-generated data and the sensor-generated data to theuser of the computer system.
 2. The computer system of claim 1, wherein:(a) the facility is a residential facility having a plurality ofapartment units; and (b) the facility income data includes rent.
 3. Thecomputer system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is selected from thegroup consisting of a plumbing condition sensor, a carpentry conditionsensor, an electrical condition sensor and a device operation sensor. 4.A computer system for management of a residential facility over anetwork, the residential facility having a plurality of dwelling unitsand at least one sensor located at each of the dwelling units in orderto sense variable conditions of the dwelling units, the sensor selectedfrom the group consisting of a plumbing condition sensor, a carpentrycondition sensor, an electrical condition sensor and a device operationsensor, the computer system comprising: a plurality of instructionswhich direct a server operating on the network to: (a) control awebsite; (b) enable a facility manager to access facility information byusing the website, the facility information including accountinginformation, banking information, information about characteristics ofthe facility and information about a plurality of residents of theresidential facility; (c) receive sensor-generated data from thesensors, the sensor-generated data being related to at least one of theconditions of the dwelling units; (d) receive first user-generated datainput by the facility manager at the website, said first user-generateddata being related to at least one of the conditions of the dwellingunits; (e) receive second user-generated data input by the residentsusing said website or a different website, said second user-generateddata being related to at least one of the conditions of the dwellingunits; (f) process the facility data, the sensor-generated data, thefirst user-generated data and the second user-generated data; and (g)enable the facility manager to cause the website to graphicallyrepresent to the facility manager, the facility data, thesensor-generated data, the first user-generated data and the seconduser-generated data.
 5. The computer system of claim 4, wherein: (a) theplumbing condition sensor is selected from the group consisting of aplumbing sensor, a leak sensor, a flood sensor, a liquid sensor and amoisture sensor; (b) the carpentry condition sensor is selected from thegroup consisting of a pressure sensor, a level sensor, a deformationsensor, a fastener sensor, a lock sensor, a handle sensor, a fixturesensor and an uncoupling sensor; and (c) the electrical condition sensoris selected from the group consisting of a power sensor, a power loadsensor and a power loss sensor.
 6. The computer system of claim 5,wherein the sensor includes a sensor which senses operationalcharacteristics of a device, the sensor selected from the groupconsisting of a sensor which senses a voltage characteristic, a sensorwhich senses a current characteristic, a sensor which senses a signalcharacteristic and a sensor which senses an energy storagecharacteristic.
 7. The computer system of claim 6, wherein the deviceincludes a device selected from the group consisting of a utilitydevice, a utility meter, a heating system, a cooling system, a lightsystem, a sprinkler system, a safety device, a smoke detector, a gasdetector, a fire alarm system, a fire sprinkler system, a securitysystem, a motion detector, a camera system and a door access system. 8.The computer system of claim 4, which includes at least one instructionwhich directs the processor to determine at least one characteristic ofthe sensor-generated data, said characteristic selected from the groupconsisting of a location of the sensor, a type of the sensor, a type offacility event, a priority level, a date at which the sensor generatedsaid sensor-generated data and a time at which the sensor generated saidsensor-generated data.
 9. The computer system of claim 4, wherein thecomputer system has a least one instruction which enables the server totransfer the sensor-generated data in a format based on Sensor ModelLanguage (SensorML).
 10. The computer system of claim 4, which includesa service management function operable at the website, the servicemanagement function including a plurality of instructions which directthe server to: (a) store the sensor-generated data, the firstuser-generated data and the second user-generated data in associationwith the dwelling units; (b) cause the graphical user interface toindicate the sensor-generated data; (c) cause the graphical userinterface to indicate the first user-generated data and the seconduser-generated data; (d) enable the facility manager to transmit aservice message to a service provider based on the sensor-generateddata, the first user-generated data and the second user-generated datapresented at the website; and (e) enable the facility manager toelectronically transmit a message to one of the residents based on thesensor-generated data or user-generated data; and an accounting functionoperable at the website, the accounting function having a plurality ofinstructions which direct the server to: (a) enable the facility managerto input facility income data and facility expense data; and (b) processthe facility income data and the facility expense data.
 11. The computersystem of claim 10, which includes a bill management function operableat the website, the bill management function having a plurality ofinstructions which direct the server to: (a) cause the graphical userinterface to indicate a plurality of electronic bills; (b) enable thefacility manager to electronically make payments from a fund accounttowards the electronic bills; and (c) enable the facility manager toproduce reports based on the electronic bills and the electronicpayments;
 12. The computer system of claim 11, which includes anaccounts receivable function operable at the website, the accountsreceivable function including a plurality of instructions which directthe processor to: (a) cause the display device to indicate a pluralityof electronic payments made by a plurality of residents of the dwellingunits; (b) enable the user to input non-electronic payments made by theresidents; and (c) enable the user to produce reports based on theelectronic payments and the non-electronic payments.
 13. The computersystem of claim 12, which includes a resident communication functionoperable at the site, the resident communication function including aplurality of instructions which direct the server to: (a) enable each ofthe residents to transmit a resident message to the user by inputting anaccess code associated with the dwelling unit of said resident; (b)cause the display device to indicate the resident messages; (c) storeeach of the resident messages in association with one of the dwellingunits;
 14. The computer system of claim 13, which includes a pluralityof instructions which direct the server to present a plurality ofcategories of resident messages including at least a facility conditioncategory and a payment category.
 15. The computer system of claim 14,wherein the each of the categories includes a plurality of designatedresident messages which are selectable by the residents.
 16. Thecomputer system of claim 15, which includes at least one instructionwhich operatively couples the resident communication function to theservice management function, wherein the user-generated data includesthe resident messages in the facility condition category.
 17. A modulefor use in conjunction with a computer system for management of afacility, the facility having at least one sensor in order to sensevariable conditions of the facility, the computer system having aplurality of instructions which direct a processor to: (a) processfacility income data and facility expense data; and (b) cause a displaydevice to indicate the facility income data and the facility expensedata to a user, the module comprising: at least one instruction whichoperatively couples the module to the computer system; and a pluralityof instructions which direct the processor to: (a) receivesensor-generated data from the sensor located at the facility, thesensor-generated data related to one of the conditions of the facility;(b) process the sensor-generated data; and (c) cause the display deviceto indicate the sensor-generated data to the user.
 18. The module ofclaim 17, wherein the facility income data and the facility expense datais first user-generated data, and the computer system includes aplurality of instructions which direct the processor to receive seconduser-generated data from a user, the second user-generated data beingrelated to one of the conditions of the facility.
 19. The module ofclaim 18, which includes a plurality of instructions which direct theprocessor to: (a) cause the display device to indicate to the user, thefirst user-generated data and the second user-generated data; (b) enablea plurality of reports to be produced, said reports based on thesensor-generated data, the first user-generated data and the seconduser-generated data; and (c) cause a message related to thesensor-generated data or the second user-generated data to be sent to arecipient.
 20. The module of claim 17, wherein the facility includes afacility selected from the group consisting of an apartment building, acondominium building, a dormitory and a resident hall.